Top 10 Best Baseball Gloves 2024
Rawlings | SELECT PRO LITE Youth Baseball Glove
- Bryce harper model 12" pro h web ideal for the outfield.
- Soft all leather shell and palm lining provide a comfortable feel and added shock reduction making this a safe and reliable option for young players.
- Lightweight design | lightweight textured vinyl that's easy to close and control.
- Break in 90% factory 10% player.
- Left hand throw glove to be worn on right hand for left hand throwers.
WILSON 2024 A1000 1786 11.5” Infield Baseball Glove
- Dual welting in wilson gloves goes beyond a mere cosmetic effect, as it’s integrated into the liner of each infield.
- Keeps your hand dry and comfortable on the field and behind the dish.
- Bold logos strip away the distractions, allowing outlined, eye-catching wilson logos to announce a new era in the iconic story of wilson ball gloves.
- Full grain leather offers a soft feel that forms to the player’s hand without a meticulous break-in process.
- Leather in every a1000 ball glove is formed with the outermost layer of the hide to display its natural grain and texture.
Franklin Sports Baseball and Softball Glove
- The soft synthetic leather material is lightweight and responsive making the glove easy.
- And quick to break in so it will be game-ready in no time for baseball, softball, or teeball
- Customizable thumb-adjustment technology engineered to expand or tighten to help achieve the perfect snug fit to accommodate all players.
- Crafted of a thick, premium synthetic leather designed to mimic the performance and durability of a true leather mitt.
- The hand formed pocket provides maximum comfort and responsive feel for making scoops and catches without drops.
Rawlings | RENEGADE Glove | Baseball/Softball | Right Hand
- Designed for adult baseball / softball players perfect for adults playing recreational baseball or softball.
- Leather shell palm with a lightweight pro mesh back for optimal durability and quickness.
- Cushioned palm and index finger pads for added comfort.
- Break in | 90% factory 10% player.
- Glove to be worn on left hand for right hand throwers.
Easton | TOURNAMENT ELITE Baseball Glove
- Transitional size patterns designed for the 14u player.
- Game-ready oil -tanned cowhide leather shell + full-grain leather palm lining for comfort and durability.
- Ideal fit system comes with a pro-style open back with an on-the-fly adjustable custom fit.
- And repositioned pinkie loop, allowing for two fingers in the pinkie stall.
- Soft microfiber lining with foam back for superior feel.
Rawlings | SANDLOT Baseball Glove |
- 11.75 in. Utility model, modified trap-eze web - great for use at multiple fielding positions.
- Full-grain oiled shell leather for added durability.
- Zero shock palm pads for extra protection.
- Padded finger back linings for unmatched comfort.
- Sandlot gloves arrive 80 percent broken-in from the factory.
Mizuno GPP900Y3 Prospect Series PowerClose Baseball Gloves
- Full grain pigskin leather for great durability.
- Butter soft palm liner pu palm lining for increased durability, feel, and comfort.
- Mzo lining disperses perspiration away from the skin.
- Air mesh back increases flexibility & breathability.
- Right hand throw= worn on left hand, left hand throw= worn on right hand.
Rawlings | PLAYER PREFERRED Glove | Baseball
- Perfect for recreational baseball and slowpitch softball.
- Versatile web that can be used at any position on the field.
- Quality material ensures enhanced durability.
- Provides increased impact protection while catching.
- Allows for a customizable fit for maximum comfort.
WILSON A500 12” Utility Youth Baseball Glove
- Wilson a500 12” utility youth baseball glove - left hand throw.
- Dual welting in wilson gloves goes beyond a mere cosmetic effect, as it’s integrated into the liner of each infield.
- Outfield and pitcher's model, offering better support and helping your glove hold its shape better over time.
- Quick fit wrist: elastic system adjusts to hug the wrist.
- Top grain leather construction: durable, lightweight feel.
MARUCCI KREWE M-TYPE BASEBALL GLOVE SERIES
- Designed for lightweight feel and increased fielding control.
- Smooth cowhide leather shell.
- Supple leather palm lining with added cushioning.
- Narrow tapered hand stall sizing for ideal fit.
- Smooth microfiber wrist lining and finger lining.
Baseball, often dubbed America’s pastime, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. One of the essential tools in the game’s equipment arsenal is the baseball glove. Although it might seem like a simple accessory, the evolution of the baseball glove reflects both the development of the sport and the advances in technology and materials. In this article, we’ll explore the history, types, and key considerations when choosing a baseball glove.
The History of Baseball Gloves
Baseball gloves have come a long way since their inception. Early versions of gloves were essentially just padded mitts, used to protect players’ hands from the hard baseballs. The first recorded use of a baseball glove dates back to 1870, when a player named Louis Sockalexis was seen wearing a glove to protect his hand. It wasn’t until 1875 that gloves began to gain popularity, with players like Albert Spalding promoting them as essential equipment.
In the early 20th century, gloves were relatively simple, often just large, padded mitts. The modern baseball glove as we know it began to take shape in the 1920s and 1930s, with the introduction of finger slots and a more structured design. Innovations continued through the decades, including the development of specialized gloves for different positions and the use of advanced materials.
Types of Baseball Gloves
Baseball gloves come in various styles, each designed for specific positions and roles on the field. Here’s a rundown of the most common types:
- Infielder’s Gloves:
- Size: Typically 11 to 11.75 inches.
- Features: Smaller and lighter, allowing for quicker ball transfers and faster reactions. They often have a shallower pocket to facilitate rapid ball retrieval.
- Outfielder’s Gloves:
- Size: Generally 12 to 12.75 inches.
- Features: Larger and deeper pockets designed to help catch fly balls and cover more ground. The extended size helps secure the ball during long catches.
- Pitcher’s Gloves:
- Size: Usually 11.5 to 12 inches.
- Features: These gloves often come with a closed web design, which helps hide the pitcher’s grip from the batter. They offer a balance between flexibility and concealment.
- Catcher’s Mitts:
- Size: Ranges from 32.5 to 34 inches.
- Features: Heavily padded and designed with a closed web and a unique shape to absorb the impact of pitched balls and provide protection for the hand.
- First Base Gloves:
- Size: Typically 12 to 12.75 inches.
- Features: Similar to outfielder’s gloves but with a more rounded design to aid in catching throws and scooping balls from the dirt.
- Designated Hitter’s Gloves:
- Size: Varied, generally between 11.5 and 12.5 inches.
- Features: Although not a separate category, DHs might use any glove that suits their preference, often focusing on versatility and comfort.
Choosing the Right Baseball Glove
Selecting the right baseball glove is crucial for performance and comfort. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Position: As mentioned, different positions require different glove types. Make sure to choose a glove tailored to your role on the field.
- Size and Fit: The glove should fit snugly but not too tight. A well-fitting glove enhances control and comfort. Measure your hand and try on gloves to find the best fit.
- Material: Baseball gloves are commonly made from leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of both. Leather gloves, especially those made from steerhide or kip leather, offer durability and a better “break-in” period, while synthetic gloves are often lighter and require less break-in time.
- Web Style: The type of webbing (the material between the fingers) can affect how the glove performs. Open webs are common in outfielder gloves for catching fly balls, while closed webs are typical for pitchers.
- Break-In Time: Leather gloves require a break-in period to mold to your hand, whereas synthetic gloves are usually game-ready out of the box. Consider how much time you have before you need the glove for games.
Maintaining Your Baseball Glove
Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your baseball glove. Here are some tips:
- Clean Regularly: Wipe down your glove with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime.
- Condition: Use glove conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
- Store Properly: Keep your glove in a cool, dry place, and use a glove mallet or ball to maintain its shape when not in use.
- Avoid Excessive Heat: Prolonged exposure to heat can damage the leather. Keep your glove away from direct sunlight and hot surfaces.
Conclusion
Baseball gloves have evolved significantly since their early days, becoming specialized tools that enhance player performance and safety. Whether you’re an infielder, outfielder, pitcher, or catcher, the right glove can make a world of difference on the field. By understanding the various types, choosing the appropriate glove for your position, and taking good care of it, you can ensure that your glove remains a reliable part of your baseball gear for years to come.
